Description

Living Black breaks the stereotype of poor African American neighborhoods as dysfunctional ghettos of helpless and hopeless people. Despite real and enduring poverty, the community described here-the historic North End of Champaign, Illinois-has a vibrant social life and strong ties among generations. But it operates on its own nonjudgmental terms-teen moms aren't derided, school dropouts aren't ridiculed, and parolees and ex-cons aren't scorned.
Mark S. Fleisher offers a window into daily life in this neighborhood, particularly through the stories of Mo and Memphis Washington, who fight to sustain a stable home for their children, and of Burpee, a local man who has returned to the North End to rebuild his life after years of crime and punishment in Chicago.

"Outstanding" books for public & secondary school libraries from university presses, American Library Association